By Independent staff

FORT DEFIANCE — Apache County District 2, in collaboration with the Fort Defiance Meth Task Force, is set to host the Fourth annual Meth eí dooda conference. The Fort Defiance Meth Task Force is composed of various programs that annually host the Meth eí dooda conference. This is the first year Apache County District 2 is involved, but it is anticipated to be a heavily attended event.

The Meth eí dooda conference will be held at the Window Rock High School on June 24-25 from 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m. On June 24 the “March against Meth” will promptly begin at 7 a.m. from the Fort Defiance Field House to the Window Rock High School. Organizations are encouraged to participate. If you have a banner, please bring it.

“Our Navajo people, the youth and elders, need to know more about meth,” said Supervisor Tom White. “Many of us do not know how big of a problem meth really is. This conference will be a good, educational event for the whole family.”

The use of Meth has been increasing all around Indian Country, especially on the Navajo Nation. Meth affects our youth and elders. Its presence has been increasing in our schools and homes. The annual meth conference is a free public event that educates and informs our Diné about the effects of meth. Our main goal is to increase the awareness of what meth does to our mind, body and spirit.

“This conference is for the public and the community,” said Stewart Calinmptewa, chair of the Fort Defiance Meth Task force. “We are looking forward to hosting this free conference for the fourth year in a row. There will be food and refreshments so please join us!”

Information: (928) 729-2141 or Stewart Calinmptewa (928) 729-6733.